New coach should bring tougher defense

It might actually be to the M-P football teams advantage to kick off their season at home against Wesco North-winning Oak Harbor Aug. 31.
Although the Tommies finished their 2006 team with just two wins, theyre not the same team that lost 28-10 to the Wildcats last season. With a new coaching staff, new work ethic and a different culture in practice, the element of surprise could prove to M-Ps advantage as the Tomahawks face formidable programs like Oak Harbor, Stanwood and Lake Stevens in the first half of their schedule.
Even the Tomahawk faithful only got a look at head coach Brandon Carsons new offense during the Red and White scrimmage Aug. 25. But afterward, Carson said he is happy with what he saw on the field offensively.
The weight of expectation will be on one of the leaders of that M-P offense, returning quarterback Denay Stell. A captain and one of just four players who started for the Tomahawks last season, Stell has varsity experience on both sides of the ball he also started last season as a defensive back and, Carson said, his skills are getting better.
Hes got a lot of experience and does a lot of nice things, Carson said. Hes a runner and hes an improved passer. Hell be a dual threat.
There will be seniority up front to protect Stell as well. Four seniors play on the offensive line, each with a significant leadership role on the team. Nick Hemming and Tyler Russell started last season at guard and tackle, respectively, while fellow linemen Curtis Klep and Michael Pfeiff have been selected as team co-captains this season after long summers in the weight room.
Carson added that he has a good idea of the picture in the backfield.
Ben Hagar will start at fullback, while a quartet of players will likely rotate through at halfback.
Weve got some good depth at halfback, Carson said, naming Mike Stone, Ryan Sterling, returning starter Andy Abadam and co-captain Brett Preheim among players likely to see time at running back.
Abadam, who started at defensive back as a sophomore, brings the speed of a state 4×100 relay appearance to his position.
Without naming names, Carson added that he was happy to see his defense playing as a unit.
Defensively, I thought we did well it was a highlight of the scrimmage, Carson said. I liked how we tackled. I wouldnt say there were any standouts, just good team defense.
A handful of other players had a good day at the Red and White game. Travis Sanderson played aggressive defense at cornerback, grabbing a couple of interceptions, including one against Stell. Offensively, the ball seemed to seek out number 80: Peter Clark was a favorite target at receiver.
At practice, players credited Carsons toughness as a coach for motivating them to work harder, and Carson said his expectations for this team remain high after a week and a half of practice.
My expectations havent changed. We have a lot to do to change the culture of this program, he said. Im quite pleased with how things are coming along.